Supporting DSPs During COVID-19
At Manos Home Care, our biggest priority is the health, safety, and wellbeing of our clients and the direct support staff who provide our services.
As Direct Support Providers (DSPs) are the backbone of our services, DSPs provide essential care and support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Ensuring the safety of in-home services such as respite care during the COVID-19 pandemic is a shared responsibility. We all play an important role in helping keep everyone safe and healthy.
Five protection principles
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to change daily, please rest assure that we are actively monitoring and acting on all appropriate advice and mandates from government officials and health authorities. We are confident that you can continue to safely provide supports during these challenging times if you continue to follow the five protection principles outlines below:
- Answer the pre-screening questions accurately before each visit
- Do not provide services if you are experiencing symptoms or have recently been exposed to COVID-19
- Practice social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever and wherever possible
- Wear facials coverings and use other personal protective equipment (PPE) as need
- Practice good infection control by washing your hands frequently with soap and water as well as cleaning and disinfecting surfaces regularly
Help protect clients and their families
We ask that you contact the office and the authorized representative of your assigned client if you:
- Have been exposed to COVID-19
- Are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- Are awaiting COVID-19 test results
- Are confirmed as having tested positive for COVID-19
Vaccination Information
Currently, the best weapons against COVID-19 infection are vaccination and follow-up booster shots. With vaccines, people are much less likely to have complications, such as getting admitted to the hospital or worse, if they do happen to have a break-though infection of the virus.
DSPs are required to get vaccinated. See here for more information.
Alameda County COVID-19 vaccination information
Contra Costa County COVID-19 vaccination information
Other Resources
- National Association of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Self-Care Toolkit for DSPs during COVID-19
- COVID-19: ANCOR’s Response and What you Need to Know
- Labor & Workforce Development Agency: This state agency has put together relevant information for workers and employers affected by the coronavirus. The website, https://www.labor.ca.gov/coronavirus2019/, includes summaries of benefits, paid sick leave, family leave, and other critical facts.
- Employment Development Department: Individuals may be unable to work because of exposure to the coronavirus, off work to care for a family member, or are now working reduced hours. If so, they may be eligible for unemployment, disability, or paid family leave.
